LAUNCESTON Town Council voted against proposals to seek to incorporate the parish of St Stephens into the town boundary at its meeting on April 16, much to the delight of a number of residents who attended the meeting and spoke out against the proposal.

The town council, having already agreed to submit evidence to the Cornwall Council review of the parish boundaries, needed to agree the changes it wishes to achieve to its parish boundary.

Councillors were told that the vast majority of these have already been agreed by the full council, but for the sake of clarity, those initial decisions needed to be confirmed and if needed, to be extended.

The changes the council has already agreed to seek include all of the Pennygilliam Industrial Estate within the town boundary; to move the current boundary from Upper Chapel back to the (locally named) Chapel Top Road so that it runs from the top of St Catherine’s Hill to Treburyse and returns onto the A30 via the eastbound slip road. This change will ensure that all the houses on the topside of Upper Chapel, including the anticipated Hallam development will be incorporated within the town boundary.

It also includes the area from Cross Lanes to St Leonards, utilising the road on which Homeleigh Garden Centre stands, this road forming the new town boundary.

There were talks about a possible merger between the parishes of St Stephens by Launceston with Egloskerry, but the council report stated that in recent weeks there is no longer a desire for such a change in either parish.

However, a group — consisting of three councillors Cllrs Rob Tremain, Dave Gordon and Paul O’Brien — was set up to look into the matter of including St Stephens within the town boundary.

The group’s report said following a meeting of the St Stephens Parish Council and subsequent correspondence, they were aware of the views of residents that they wish to retain the status quo.

It stated: “We take the view that, in a period in which greater autonomy is being devolved from the unitary authority to local councils, an increased size of local councils – with its commensurate increase in income — is a realistic method of ensuring the maintenance/increase of locally provided services.

“Accordingly we believe it makes good sense, both practically and financially, for our council to seek the inclusion of the whole parish of St Stephens by Launceston into the parish of Launceston.”

Cllr Rob Tremain said: “This is something we’ve been looking at in one way or another for a very long time. As a council we do try and work with our neighbours.”

Cllr Paul O’Brien explained that at the previous meeting they were tasked to draw up a viewpoint for the council to discuss.

“We’re now in a position whereby the residents of this town pay for a very large proportion of the services provided by Launceston Town Council.”

He argued that although St Stephens is a separete parish, it is part of Launceston.

“They benefit from it. They benefit from the bus shelters that we put in. They benefit from the library that we continue to run. Therefore I don’t think it’s necessary for this council to turn round and say we need a total majority from all areas to give the thumbs up. We’re looking after Launceston Town Council full stop.”

He said accordingly the working party said to seek the incorporation of St Stephens parish into the parish of Launceston and that would mean an increase in revenue for the council.

Cllr O’Brien said it also ensures a better level of services for the area, such as the cost of the provision for the library.

Cllr John Conway spoke against the proposal. He said in St Stephens by Launceston there were around 170 dwellings with 300 odd electorate. He said it was not an urban area, but it’s scattered. He argued there are other surrounding parishes, such as Tregadillett and South Petherwin that use the town’s facilities.

“If it goes to a judicial review, I believe this town council would lose it.”

He said the plans would not take on St Stephens village, as they are already classed as part of Launceston, but the surrounding area including Truscott, Langore, Dutson and the farmsteads in between, which, in total he estimated would provide less than £30,000 net increase in revenue.

“We need to throw out taking over St Stephens unnecessarily.”

Cllr John Harris said: “What disturbs me is the presumption that Launceston Town Council can consume other smaller councils and parishes because we can. It gives a credence to bullying because we want it, because it borders on us we should take that little bit because it’s easier.

“These parishes have been established for decades. There are industrial parishes with their own affairs but they use our facilities.”

Cllr Tremain said people were getting the wrong end of the stick, as Cornwall Council have asked for their opinions and the decision will go back to them.

“It’s not a thing that we’re saying this is what we want. If the council are making alterations this is perhaps what we would like to see in Launceston. It’s not about making money.”

Mayor Margaret Young suggested that each section is considered separately and a recommendation be made to Cornwall Council, although the final decision will be made elsewhere.

The councillors first voted on a, that Pennygillam be taken into the town boundary. This was carried.

Then b, that the boundary would include Upper Chapel back to the top road that runs along the top of St Catherine’s Hill to Treburyse and back to the A30 eastbound slip road (incorporating the Hallam development). This was also carried.

The council then took a vote on St Stephens by Launceston being incorporated into the parish of Launceston. Cllr Conway had declared an interest and left the room at this point.

Cllr Jane Nancarrow said: “I really am not terribly happy about this. As a St Stephens person born and bred, I’ve got really mixed feelings and I might have to abstain.”

At the start of the meeting, a number of people spoke in the public participation section, all against the proposals.

Mrs Joan Heaton, chairperson of St Stephens by Launceston Parish Council, said: “This is emphatically against the known wishes of the parishioners of St Stephen by Launceston Parish Council. If Launceston Town Council is looking to increase its income for its locally provided services, despite raising its own precept substantially this year, it should not feel itself entitled to venture out arbitrarily on a land grabbing mission in its hinterland.

“I live in Launceston town. You are my representatives. You do not represent me on this issue councillors, nor the many fellow residents of Launceston with strong family roots throughout the surrounding parishes. In this instance, you have shown a lack of consideration for people, place and heritage.”

Taking the vote, one councillor voted in favour and the others either voted against or abstained from the vote. The recommendation was not carried.

Following the vote, Cllr O’Brien said he fully accepted the decision, but as he felt he was out of line with the general feeling, he decided to stand down from the group.